Punjab Kings beat Chennai Kings by 7 runs

Kings XI pulled off a real stunner that left Chennai in a tricky situation at Chennai in an IPL match.

MS Dhoni’s men were chasing an achievable target of 157 but their star-studded batting lineup failed to deliver when it mattered most. The Punjab bowlers came to the party, with medium pacers Azhar Mahmood (3-25) and Parvinder Awana being right on the money as Chennai fell seven short of the target. Leggie Piyush Chawla, who conceded 28 runs in one over in the previous match against Mumbai, too came up with a much-improved performance (2-20) on Saturday.

Earlier,electing to bat first, Punjab failed to capitalise on the solid start provided by Mandeep Singh (56) and Shaun Marsh (32). The two batsmen shared 68 runs for the opening wicket, scoring 43 in the mandatory powerplay. Mandeep hit five fours and a six off R Ashwin in his 50-ball knock, while Marsh’s 22 ball-innings consisted of four boundaries and a straight six off Shadab Jakati.

Marsh was the first Punjab batsman to be dismissed when he was unfortunately run-out in his follow through at the non-strikers’ end. Mahmood, who was sent up the order as a pinch-hitter, made his intentions clear by hitting two maximums off Jadeja but his innings was curtailed when he was trapped lbw by Bravo for 18 off 12. David Miller too contributed with 19 off 15 before he was caught behind off Albie Morkel.